Douro River Cruise including Porto & Salamanca (Porto - Porto)

Today begins your cruise on the beautiful Douro River. Upon arrival in Lisbon, you will be met by your local guide who will assist you in the transfer to Porto port. Settle into your cabin and explore the range of facilities on board the MS Estrela. Then tonight, get to know your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner as you enjoy a sunset cruise along the Douro river.

This morning, we will begin our cruise along the Douro River, as you relax on board enjoy the spectacular views of the countless vineyards that bordered this beautiful river. As we sail into the port of Regua, you will have the option of visiting Lamego, famous for the elegantly decorated baroque cathedral, the Sanctuary of the Our Lady of Remedies. While in Lamego you might like to sample one of the town’s famous specialties, Bola de Lamego, a delicious smoked ham roll.

In the afternoon we will continue our cruise and set sail for Pinhao, here you can explore Pinhao and discover its famous train station, decorated with blue and white ceramic tiles. Afterwards you will be treated to an authentic Portuguese dinner in a traditional local quinta (vineyard)

Discover the beauty of the Portuguese waterways this morning as your ship departs Pinhão and sail towards Vega Terrón.  Here we will have a guided excuriosn to Castelo Rodrigo, a small village overlooking both Spain and Portugal. We will uncover many fascinating features of this well-preserved ruins and castle along with the magnificent statue of Santiago Matamoros. In the afternoon we re join our ship and sail towards Salamanca

After breakfast, you will embark on a city tour of Salamanca in the neighbouring country of Spain. The historic city centre of Salamanca has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guided walking tour will take in many of its highlights, such as the impressive Cathedral, Plaza Mayor and the famous University of Salamanca, the oldest in Europe. Before returning to the ship you will have some free time to explore the Old Town at your own pace and discovering its many charms.

Today the ship will travel on to the town of Peso de Régua in the Vila Real district of Portugal, Situated on the banks of the River Douro, Peso da Régua played a fundamental role in the production and sale of Port wine in the past. Here we enjoy a guided tour of this historic town followed by a tasting of local port wine, Portugal’s most famous tipple.

This morning, we will a guided excursion to the Baroque Mateus Palace and Gardens in Vila Real. The former home of the Counts of Vila Real, the palace is situated in a beautifully maintained park and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Portugal. You will have a guided tour of the palace and time to explore the gardens before returning to your ship in the early afternoon.

In the afternoon we continue to Entre-os-Rios where we will have some free time to explore this vibrant Portuguese town.

Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a Captains dinner on board with traditional Portuguese folk music

This morning we will sail into Porto, after breakfast we will enjoy an included guided tour of Portugal’s second city. See Porto’s beautiful sites including the Chamber of Commerce, Palacio da Bolsa, the Porto Cathedral, and a walk along the riverside Ribeira quarter. Your tour will also include a Port wine tasting in one of the typical wine cellars for which Porto is famous.

You will have the afternoon free to explore more of this beautiful city. Alternatively, you can take an optional excursion (payable locally) to Guimarães, known as the “Cradle of the Portuguese Nation” home to the last of the Portuguese kings. Here you can enjoy its medieval historic centre which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It is time to say goodbye after a full week of delights aboard your ship. After breakfast, you will meet with your local guide and be transferred to Porto city centre for some free time before continuing your journey to Porto airport for your flight home. (Luggage will be stored in coach)